Tunisia has called for immediate accountability from Israeli officials over their actions in Gaza, underscoring that the recent ceasefire should not impede the pursuit of justice for Palestinians. In a statement released on Saturday, the Tunisian Foreign Ministry stressed the need for continued international pressure to hold Israeli officials responsible for alleged war crimes and genocide committed against the Palestinian people.
“The ceasefire agreement must not prevent global advocates for justice from holding the officials of the occupying power accountable for their heinous actions, including genocide and mass atrocities against the Palestinian people,” the ministry stated.
Tunisia reiterated its strong support for the Palestinian cause, reaffirming the right of Palestinians to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. The government further condemned the long-standing suffering of Palestinians and called the ceasefire a vital step after 16 months of violence and destruction that have left indelible scars on the global conscience.
“These 16 months of systematic genocide have left deep wounds in the collective human conscience,” Tunisia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs added. “The Palestinian people have shown unparalleled resilience and sacrifice, shedding their blood in defiance of destruction to secure their inherent right to dignity and life.”
The Tunisian government urged the international community to take action against what it described as Israel’s “lawlessness,” calling for the immediate implementation of the ceasefire, the lifting of the Gaza blockade, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.
The call comes as Qatar announced a three-phase ceasefire agreement on Wednesday aimed at halting more than 15 months of Israeli military operations in Gaza. The ceasefire is set to begin on Sunday, marking a significant turning point in the conflict.
Reports from local authorities indicate that nearly 47,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have been killed, with more than 110,700 others injured since the conflict began on October 7, 2023.
International efforts to hold Israeli officials accountable have also intensified, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in November. Both men are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity in relation to the military operations in Gaza.
Additionally, Israel is facing charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice, further complicating its legal position as international scrutiny intensifies over its actions in Gaza.